A study based on use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Diabetic Patients in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine frequency and factors leading to CAM use in diabetic patient visiting tertiary care hospitals in Karachi.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at diabetic clinics of Civil Hospital and National Institute of Diabetes (NIDE, OJHA campus) from March 2015 to April 2016. The sample size of 400 adult Type II diabetic patients above 18 years of age were included in the study by purposive sampling technique after taking the informed consent. Data were collected through predesigned and pre-tested questionnaire, consisted on socio-demographic variables and use of CAM. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Frequencies and percentages were calculated; regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with CAM use.

Results: Mean age of study participants was 51.5±14.1 S.D. There were 30.5% males and 69.5% females' participants in the study. Half (53.5%) of diabetic patients were using CAM. Forty-eight percent (48%) of the diabetic patients were using herbal medicines. The odds of using CAM was more (AOR.=1.949, 95% C.I. 1.196-3.174) in diabetic patients who had total household income more than 10,000 rupees as compared to those who had monthly income less than 10,000 rupees. Similarly, the odds of using CAM was more (AOR.=1.802, 95% C.I. 1.13-2.87) in diabetic patients who had education level less than 10 years as  compared to those who had educational level more than 10 years.

Conclusion: The CAM use was high among diabetic Patients. Educational status, income and chronic kidney disease were found to be associated with CAM use.